Toranoko Nursery

The nursery designed by Takashige Yamashita Office in Japan is charachterized by the gentle curvature of the roofs to create a sequence of scenery and divide the different spaces.

This project is a small nursery in the Yamanashi prefecture, Japan. The site offers a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji. Houses and farms spread out in the neighborhood, creating a peaceful but at the same time a bit deserted atmosphere.

The clients wanted to make a community space for the users of the facility and the local people in the middle of the site where it is surrounded by the three facility buildings. The idea was then developed and specified to create a lounge area for having a tea and a nursery to take care of the children in the local area.

Located in the center of the enclosed site, the roofs are lightly positioned in various angles, opening towards all possible directions to allow physical and visual approach from anywhere. The gentle curvature of the roofs creates a sequence of scenery, dividing garden, lounge, lunchroom, nursing room and office, while the spaces are still kept connected as one. It is designed in hopes that this small nursery creates a core space for the community, like a big tree.